Midweek Musings

Today many are feeling the weight of the moment we are living in. The challenge of living in this time. Yes, I know all the smart memes and posts that are on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter all enlightening us to the fact that others have had it or have it much tougher. One says "Your grandparents were called to war. You are being called to sit on a couch. You can do this." The implication is that we should be encouraged by that fact, or that someone is worse off or went through things much more challenging than what you or I may be going through, although I've never quite gotten how we should feel somewhat better about our troubles by knowing someone else has it or had it worse. The troubles I feel, the weight I am carrying, is not lessened by the greater trouble that someone else feels, or by the greater weight that they bear. Someone said, “The worst thing that ever happened to me is still the worst thing that ever happened to me.” 

We all have stories. We all have stresses and anxieties in our lives. And the weight of this moment, this time of isolation and self-distancing, of economic and health insecurity, of fear and anxiety, of cabin fever and boredom, is added to the weight you and I may have already been carrying. The problems we were already struggling with. The depression that was barely being kept at bay. The stress and unhappiness of a marriage that is failing. The difficulties of parenting. Falling behind with the bills, paying the mortgage. Getting that treatment or surgery that was so desperately needed. Coping with loneliness, dealing with grief and loss.

Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed. Confused. Hurt. Angry. Broken. Defeated. Alone. That no one, not even God cares for us or can help us. In our frustration, we can push those we love the most, and those we need the most away. We can lash out at them with our words and actions, shut them out with our silence and attitudes. We can even push God away.

Habakkuk, an Old Testament era prophet, cries out to God in his writings, "How long, O Lord, must I call for help? But you do not listen!"

The interesting thing is that God was listening, and He answered Habakkuk, but God's answer was not what he was looking for or expecting.

How often do we mistake God's silence for inaction, or misunderstand what God allows to happen in our lives?

Habakkuk reflects in His prayer/song in chapter 3 what we need to see and be reminded of. Just who God is, the greatness of His power, His faithfulness, all He has done in the past. Habakkuk describes God,

"His brilliant splendor fills the heavens,
and the earth is filled with his praise.
 His coming is as brilliant as the sunrise.
Rays of light flash from his hands,
where his awesome power is hidden."

As a result, he says,

I trembled inside when I heard this;
my lips quivered with fear.
My legs gave way beneath me,
and I shook in terror.
I will wait quietly for the coming day
when disaster will strike the people who invade us.
 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
able to tread upon the heights."

In your doubts, be assured of God's presence, in your fears, let His strength be yours. Be confident, no matter what may be happening around you or what you may feel, that God is in control, that He sees you and hears you, that He is at work!

As we approach Easter, remember that the agony of the cross, the depth of despair that the followers of Jesus felt as they listened, watched, and experienced the events of Christ' death, the pain of laying Him in a tomb and having the stone rolled into place, sealing His body inside. All that they felt, their fears, doubts, pain, and questions were answered by the empty tomb and the risen Saviour! We too find all our answers to life's challenges in the power of the risen Saviour!

Please tune in on Friday at 10:30 am for our Good Friday service with some special music, a devotional by Pastor Allen, and communion. We would ask that you have bread or crackers, and juice ready for yourself and any family that may be watching with you. As we lead through the communion time, you can receive at that time, or on your own time.

I have included a video testimony below of a pastor that was in the hospital with Covid19 that may be a blessing and encouragement to you.

Please pray for our seniors and shut-ins, and those on the front-lines in health care, transportation, grocery stores, pharmacies, and foodservice. Pray for our missionaries, Helen MacMinn, The Purdies, who remain in Malawi, the Penney's who are on their way home from Senegal, the Bradbury's who are now home in NL, the Delgado family, remaining in Senegal, the Williams in Spain, and Phil & Judy Bowler who are still in Guinea. Please keep all our missionaries in your thoughts and prayers, and remember that they still depend on your support.

Pray for Pastor Bert Lira, who along with his wife Shirley, has been fighting Covid19. While Bert is recovering, sadly his wife has passed away. They were long time pastors in BC.

I am attaching a link for connecting with Pray Nova Scotia, which is happening every Thursday. Premier MacNeil is joining in tomorrow's prayer time.

Pray Nova Scotia

Tithes and Offerings

As we continue to do church in this new way, we need your faithful giving. Thanks to those who are giving online or by dropping your offering off at the church! You can find the links for online giving at www.kingswayassembly.net or by clicking here.

We have volunteers who are able to come to your home to pick up your offering if needed. They will practice safe distancing by leaving a basket on your step or outside your door so you can place your offering in it and they can pick it up once your door is shut.

Please call or email the church to let us know, and we will schedule a time.